Sub menu

State Police Poised for Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

The annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular—one
of the largest and oldest Fourth of July events in the country— will take place
at the DCR Hatch Shell on July 3 with a rehearsal concert, and July 4 with the
main concert and fireworks. On July 3, gates will open around 5pm, with the
concert beginning at 8:30 p.m. and ending at 10 p.m. On July 4, the concert
will begin at 8 p.m., with 10:30pm fireworks. According to the event website,
Queen Latifah is this year’s headliner, and she’ll be performing “a selection
of hits from her diverse catalog, which touches on genres including jazz, rap,
R&B, Broadway, and more,” the website states. Other performers include Arlo
Guthrie, America’s Got Talent semi-finalist Amanda Mena, and the Texas Tenors.

For fans
viewing from the Cambridge side, a large screen and sound towers were installed
on Memorial Drive, and for the second year, another screen will be installed on
the Rose Kennedy Greenway for more outdoor viewing, according to the website.
The event will also be broadcast on television and radio.

Dave
Procopio, a spokesman for the Massachusetts State Police, told the Sun about
the security plan that’s in place for this year’s show to keep the event safe
and enjoyable for all.

“As in past
years, the goal of the security plan is to enhance safety for visitors and
participants as much as possible while still preserving a fun and inviting
atmosphere,” Procopio said. “Toward that end, multiple federal, state and local
law enforcement agencies will execute a multi-layered plan that includes
officers and assets that the public will recognize (such as numerous uniformed
Massachusetts State Troopers, local police officers, and National Guardsmen),
as well as other assets that will not be seen or recognized (such as undercover
officers and intelligence capabilities). The security operation covers both
sides of the River, Boston and Cambridge.”

Procopio said
that there are many security cameras on the Esplanade which will feed images to
the police. In addition, there will be bomb squads, K9 units, the State Police
Marine Unit, and the State Police Air Wing on deck. “As always, anyone who sees
anything or anyone suspicious should immediately call 911 or tell a trooper or
officer in person. The motto, as always, is “See Something, Say Something,” he
said.

Changes are
made to the security plan each year based on different factors, including
tactics used in terrorist acts across the world. “At this time, we can report
there are no credible or specific terrorist threats to the venue,” Procopio
said.

Privately
operated drones are prohibited from flying over the Esplanade, and visitors
will be screened for prohibited items at venue checkpoints off of Storrow Drive
on the Boston side and off Memorial Drive on the Cambridge side. Prohibited
items include: coolers on wheels, backpacks, weapons, drones, glass containers,
pre-mixed beverages, liquids not in sealed containers and exceeding two liters,
grills, alcohol, and bicycles. Procopio said people should be prepared to leave
prohibited items behind at the security checkpoints.

Procopio urged people to be aware of possible sun and heat exposure, and
stay hydrated. “During the 3rd and 4th, members of the public can follow the
State Police Twitter page for updates on event information, logistics, weather,
etc.,” he added.